He accused his colleague David Lidington of trying to talk it up, telling the Commons: “This in-at-all-costs deal looks funny, it smells funny, it might be superficially shiny on the outside but poke it and it’s soft in the middle.

“Will my Right Honourable Friend admit to the House that he has been reduced to polishing poo?”

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This morning, just hours before his appointment he called for a “good, clean” Brexit, and the “softest” exit possible that will give the UK control over its laws, money, borders and trade.

He said: “We need a good, clean exit which minimises disruption and maximises opportunity. In other words, we need the ‘softest’ exit consistent with actually leaving and controlling laws, money borders and trade.”

Theresa May has been trying to put together her new Government post-election

That meant “delivering” on the aims set out in the Government’s white paper in February, which included leaving the single market and seeking a new customs arrangement with the EU.

Thursday’s election result, which saw Mrs May lose her Commons majority, has led to speculation a cross-party approach to Brexit could soften the Government’s stance.

This could potentially lead to the UK staying in the single market – which would involve retaining freedom of movement, an issue which would risk incurring the wrath of Brexit supporters who voted to take back control of the UK’s borders.

Even Mr Baker’s fellow Leave campaigner and newly-restored Cabinet minister Michael Gove indicated the Government could be ready to pursue a softer approach to Brexit this morning.